Day-care centres: risks and prevention of infection.

Children attending day-care centres are at increased risk of acquiring various infectious diseases, some with short- and long-term costs to individuals and society. Parents may approach their family physician for advice about placement of their child in day care. It is useful to have an understanding of the attributes of good day-care facilities and of the infections commonly acquired in this setting. In co-operation with day-care personnel and public health authorities, family physicians can help to implement strategies effective in reducing the incidence of infectious diseases in day-care centres.